Ask An Ag Consultant
(Farm News - November 2009)
Q: Can I save on energy costs by using a timer on my tractor engine block heater?
A: Yes. As I visit with farmers, I am often surprised by how many leave their engine block heaters plugged in, around the clock, during the winter months. The energy costs can be extremely high when this practice is employed.
Normally, the engine block heater needs to operate for one to two hours to warm the engine to allow for easy starting. A simple 24-hour clock timer can be installed to turn the heater on at a set time and only operate when needed. A timer can save over 85% in energy costs compared to having it plugged in for 24 hours. The amount of energy savings will depend on the wattage of the engine block heater. The level of savings that can be achieved can reduce the payback period for a timer from 1 to 3 months.
When you are in the market for an electric timer, please tell the sales person how you plan to use the timer so that they can help you choose the appropriate model for your needs. There are two very important items to consider when planning to purchase a timer:
- Do you need the timer to be weatherproof?
- Do you have properly grounded electrical circuits?
The following is an example of how an engine block heater timer could be used for energy savings: A 1,000-watt engine heater that runs ten hours per day, from late November through mid-March, will use about $90 in energy costs. If you install a timer on this same 1,000-watt engine heater and have it set to come on for two hours prior to starting the engine, then you can save over $70 in energy costs per year.
Other typical uses for timers are holiday and landscape lights. A timer can also be used with a second refrigerator that may be located in a basement or garage and set to run just a few hours a day. As long as the door is not being constantly opened, it will keep everything inside plenty cold.
Find more energy efficiency tips.